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Rob Dawson, Correspondent
Bruno Fernandes believes the “rules have to change” after Amad Diallo was sent off while he celebrated after scoring Manchester United‘s winning goal against Liverpool.
Amad was shown a red card after he picked up a second booking for removing his shirt in the aftermath of sealing United’s 4-3 win in stoppage time at the end of extra time of a thrilling FA Cup quarterfinal at Old Trafford.
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The 21-year-old, who came on as a late substitute, had earlier been shown a yellow card by referee John Brooks for blocking a quick free-kick.
It meant United had to play the final seconds with 10 men, but Fernandes had sympathy for Amad and said the Football Association should reconsider their rules around goal celebrations.
“Unfortunately, he got sent off, but it’s part of the moment and part of being young,” Fernandes told reporters afterwards.
“This moment has to be enjoyed and I think it’s one of the rules football has to change. You should be able to celebrate the goal, obviously with respect to other clubs, to enjoy your moment.”
It was only Amad’s second goal for United after arriving from Atalanta in 2021.
And the winger, who spent last season on loan in the Championship with Sunderland, admitted that he had forgotten he was already on a booking when he removed his shirt.
“I forgot the first yellow,” he told ITV Sport.
“I’m very disappointed for that, a red card, but the most important for me is to win and against a big team like Liverpool is a big, big moment for me. “Everyone came to me and said congratulations. I want to thank everyone, the fans were superb all game.”
Amad has endured a frustrating spell at Old Trafford, making just 13 senior appearances in more than three years.
He was linked with a return to Sunderland on loan in January but stayed at United after Facundo Pellistri was allowed to join Granada.
Amad’s appearance against Liverpool was just his fourth of the season but Fernandes expects him to get more opportunities after his match-winning cameo off the bench.
“The thing with Amad, he got his reward because he’s doing the right things,” Fernandes said.
“When you do the right things, you get a chance, and what is yours comes to you. He deserves it.”